Deseret News | Ex-Lone Peak coach disciplined for role in altercation

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Ex-Lone Peak coach disciplined for role in altercation

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So quick to judge | 5:18 p.m. March 27, 2008

I hate the thought that people are blaming the child's behavior on his parents or on his parents' income. He was raised in a good family, and he does know right from wrong. While his father was an LDS, he tragically died in an accident. The boy is the oldest son of a large brood of little ones. The week of the fight was the week his grandfather, who lived nearby, died. This child is full of pain and confusion, and most likely anger...which by the way is normal. Instead of judging him, how about praying for his suffering. He is the only one who can turn his life around, and he doesn't seem ready to do that in the midst of things.

Coach | 5:16 p.m. March 27, 2008

The coach was way out of line.

What I saw in the video was a coach smashing a students head into a wall after the fight had been broken up.

The fight was broke up, and he was quoted telling the student he could do anything he wanted to him.

Teaching in So. Cal. for 15 years, in a "tough" school, teachers have been instructed to verbally instruct the students to quit fighting, and techniques to accomplish that.

In this case there are only two outcomes, the coach getting hurt, or the coach hurting this kid and the eventual lawsuit.

Teachers do not need to be Bullies.

Question? | 5:28 p.m. March 27, 2008

Are the administration at LP the same people who run the UHSAA? both are messed up. Give the man back his pay.

Comments continue below

To: So quick to Judge | 5:25 p.m. March 27, 2008

Dont kid yourself. That was made up

so quick to judge | 5:35 p.m. March 27, 2008

I left out the word, LDS "Bishop"...which may or may not matter to some, but I'd think that his mother standing by and saying that her son was out of line would be an example that they are aware of his issues and allow no excuses.

Another thought....if this was your son, with these issues in his life, I'm sure he'd be perfect and be going through life just as he is now. None of this would affect him. Especially since you are poor and such a perfect pair of parents.

I support the coach, but at the same time give the kid a break and take a reality check of what goes on in your own family.

re:Without Pay | 5:38 p.m. March 27, 2008

He was suspended "without pay", because no teacher should be grinding a students face into a wall.

The district was "punishing" the "good" coach so if there is a lawsuit, they can say they did not support his actions.

What the coach did was wrong.

Mclovin | 5:33 p.m. March 27, 2008

Everyone needs to know that this kid had just been in a fight with another student and the coach had just broken it up. This kid would not back down.
If the coach watches them fight he gets in trouble if he lets someone get hurt. Now if he restrains someone he gets in trouble. Kids need to know what respect means.

Gerald G | 5:47 p.m. March 27, 2008

You'd have to know the kid who was disciplined: "Zack." I know him and his repuation well enough -- as a neighbor. He is a constant trouble maker and bully who does NOT belong in any public school. I know for fact he has broken another And much more than that. Monte Morgan should be promoted to the head of the Alpine School District for stepping in to stop that bully/jerk of a kid -- and he should receive a huge bonus. As for the officials who still let Zack stay in school...? They should be severely disciplined. Believe me: You have to know that kid!

Good job, Monte. There IS still a place for discipline of bullies. And Monte, you're a gentleman. Thanks for daring your career to get involved!

Serious? | 5:51 p.m. March 27, 2008

What would you rather have had the coach let the fight go on and have the kid pull a knife or seriously injure someone? Get your head strait skippy

Coach was not in the wrong | 10:07 p.m. March 27, 2008

Anyone who thinks Morgan was wrong to intervene and restrain the kid has some serious lacking of common sense. The only other option was to let them beat each other to a pulp. To those criticizing Morgan, I hope your kids get in a fight someday and everyone just stands around and watches them get pummeled.

Bountiful Coach | 10:24 p.m. March 27, 2008

I have been coaching against Coach Morgan's teams for many years and honestly I have never met a man with more integrity and character than Coach Morgan. Coach Morgan is great coach, but more importantly he is an even better person. Win or lose, on the field or off the field, Coach Morgan is the kind of person I would want my kids to learn from and/or play for someday. Thanks for being such a great example in doing what is right and true. We will miss you in our yearly dual in the endowment game but all of us here at Bountiful HS wish you the best of luck and better times ahead. Thanks Coach!

Anonymous | 11:44 p.m. March 27, 2008

Well, while we all pile on to congratulate the coach, moderators attempt to make it seem one sided.

I'm sure this too won't get posted, but with patience...

I saw the video. I'm not suggesting that anyone stands around and watches, and thanks (10:07) for hoping my kids get pummelled, they're pretty good girls so that would be too bad.

The coach was smashing the kids face into the wall. The other kid had left and the coach says that he can do "anything" he wants to the kid.

That's a bully, not an educator.

There was no knife (automatic suspension there serious-5:51), and the coach could have quit hurting the student, but watch the video and you will see his intent is to work this kid over good. No teacher should physically harm a student unless someones life or limb are in danger, and while there might have been a danger earlier, it wasn't apparent on the video.

From someone who has worked Detention School, "Monte", as much integrity and character as he has, was roughing up a student.

It's why he was suspended.

This is negative for the coach, and DMN moderators don't let them get posted.

LP Parent | 12:38 a.m. March 28, 2008

There are ALWAYS two sides to every story. Everyone is in such a rush to judge. The Mob mentality in Highland/Alpine is crazy. The Coach handled the situation better than most men in the same situation. This has nothing to do with football or last season. I was upset by the video at first but my husband pointed out that when teenage boys fight simply saying "Hey boys break it up" isn't going to accomplish much. If most men are being honest, if a kid swung at you and swore at you like that restraining him against the wall wouldn't be all that you did. The boy is troubled and hopefully he will get the help he needs. Monte is moving on, I think it is about time Morgan haters did too. It's over... Let it go!

props to parents | 1:28 a.m. March 28, 2008

After having been in teaching for a few years, I have to say thanks to the parents for agreeing that their kids are the problem. You do now know how many times I had to deal with parents telling me their kids deserved higher grades, I didn't know what I was talking about, etc. Parents these days are the problem - spoiling their kids right and left, cars, parties, etc. - never actually disciplining for fear of hurting their feelings. This coach did the right thing based on what I read and more parents should acknowledge it.

HS Teacher | 6:25 a.m. March 28, 2008

Nice job Coach Morgan. The only thing you did wrong was trying to do the right thing. You should have just ignored the punks and let them beat each other up! Those people criticizing you probably have never had to break up a HS fight! I have and it is not an easy situation to deal with. Respect in schools is deteriorating quickly. Yesterday I had a girl call me an "---hole" for confiscating her phone. She was texting on her "hidden" phone in her purse during a guest speaker's presentation. (This was the second phone I had to take yesterday). The foul comment was preceded by her rant after class which included the following: 1) I did not have the right to take her phone, 2) her Dad was going to talk to the principal, 3) I can be sued for taking her property and, 4) I should expect kids to be bored when I bring in a guest speaker. Wow. The only good thing about this was that there were at least 10-15 students who witnessed it and several of them told the young lady (?) that she was very wrong. There is still hope, I think.

Censored | 7:30 a.m. March 28, 2008

I have been teaching and coaching High School basketball for the past 18 years in Southern California and before that Utah.

I one who thinks that, from what I saw on the video, the coach should have been de-escalating the situation at that point, rather then smashing his head against the wall.

Yesterday I made several posts stating such and listing the events from this newspaper that have happened in High School Athletics. Nothing abusive, offensive, off topic or misrepresentative, and the moderators have refused to put up but a few posts questioning this man of "integrity and character" (which I do not doubt).

My question is why the DMN protects bullies in their censorship. A man threatening to do anything he wants to a student, grinding his head into a wall, needs no protection if what he did was right.

WHERES STOCTON | 8:01 a.m. March 28, 2008

REF: COACH
There in lies your problem Coach, You forgot to leave your "California Mentality" in California. You obviously aren't up on your reading either. The video only shows what the anonymous "film maker wanna be" intended. Suggest you read some more from people who actually know the real situation and realize that "what you see is not necessarily what you get."

Drillbit Taylor | 8:19 a.m. March 28, 2008

Good job Coach....you are my idol.....Good Luck in Salem.....nice town....OWEN

Give Back The Money | 9:37 a.m. March 28, 2008

It's refreshing to hopefully see the end of the "Politically Correct Culture.' Mr Morgan's standing up to the obviously illogical "you can't touch me mentality" of a discipline starved hooligan/bully is long overdue. It is also remarkably refreshing to see the overwhelming support and respect that Mr. Morgan had and continues to have within the community. Let's face the facts.....we have raised a couple of generations of kids.......with an over abundant minority of snot nosed juveniles(one of my own included)...... It's time that some of them realize the need for an attitude adjustment before they leave their teens and step into real trouble as adults......We need more Mr. Morgan's in our schools and fewer spineless Judges in our courts.

Salem awaits Mr. Morgan | 9:41 a.m. March 28, 2008

Does Alpine School District have anymore Mr. Morgans that they can't use......We'll take them.

Betty Lou

Re: Censored | 9:45 a.m. March 28, 2008

You are dead on! DMN is only letting part of this story be made known. The facts exist on video and files at Lone Peak and the school district which have been carefully archived.

Phone Cam Video | 9:53 a.m. March 28, 2008

Someone obviously knows who the perp was that sent Youtube the video......how could they not. this kid is bragging it up all over town, All you have to do is listen...he thinks he's cool...trouble is no one will turn him in because he's a jerk and he will hurt whoever does.

Facts | 10:13 a.m. March 28, 2008

You Tube "Coach Morgan beats up teen" This is the real uncensored video where Morgan slams the students head into the brick wall and the student is on the verge of going unconscious. When Morgan realizes this he says "Shut that up, shut that up or I will, I WILL knock your butt out." Morgan realizing that he has gone to far turns around to see who might be watching and sees other students around as the victim is slumbering down close to unconsciousness. Morgan says, " You guys get to class, go!"

another LP student | 10:32 a.m. March 28, 2008

every thing that the above lp student stated is completely true! not to mention the fact that not every single person that goes to Lone Peak and lives in alpine is a rich snob. Just like any other school there are some with loads of money, some without it. Some who are snobs and some who arent. Don't judge a school you dont know your self or a coach you don't know personally!

Coach | 12:34 p.m. March 28, 2008

Why choose this kid to grind up?

Why not the other kid? Weren't they both fighting?

Just Wondering. | 1:31 p.m. March 28, 2008

What if it were one of the principals breaking up this fight. Do you think they would have got suspended without pay?
Good Job Lone Peak and the wonderful School District. That's the way to take care of one of your own!
I'm sure this coaches new school feels pretty validated right now as being part of their faculty next year.

re:Coaches Apologists | 2:11 p.m. March 28, 2008

Please view the video posted on you tube.

Remember there were two students fighting.

My questions are:

What gives this particular coach the right to manhandle this one student?

Would you want your child dealt with this way, or rather they be dealt with administratively, with "due process"?

Why do districts have discipline policies if the coach can rough up whichever student they choose?

Why, if this was the correct way to handle the situation, was the coach suspended without pay?

Why do the moderators refuse to put the post up? DMN moderators should not be afraid to post valid questions. Is there something to this that is not being reported?

Parents don't always rule | 2:18 p.m. March 28, 2008

I'm married to a man who's a good and kind husband and father but who was not a good disciplinarian. My step son has no respect for him......he used to think that he could get away with anything.....and unfortunately for a very long time he did. My husbands heart had been broken so many times because of Jerry's refusal to conform.....that was until another teacher like Mr. Morgan intervened and stopped Jerry from nearly beating his best friend to death. ........Mr. Morgan I don't care what anybody else thinks...you did the right thing....someday those stupid kids will realize that......Ask jerry about his two years in Juvenile detention......It did seem to get his attention.

re:Parents don't always rule | 3:19 p.m. March 28, 2008

So, now it is the schools responsibility to educate the students to the NCLB standards for curriculum...

Plus:
Feed them nutritous meals including breakfast because all they are getting at home is "Happy Meals".

Self Esteem.

Values.

Discipline???

Give the teachers a belt and let them discipline then?

Oh, but's let make sure they get $10,000 per year less than nearby States.

Because those who can do, and those who can't teach?

I do agree with the previous post APOLOGISTS---

Unless my child has a weapon I would rather have it done through a discipline policy and a due process procedure rather than a big guy threatening to knock my child out.

(And mom, many teachers are female and can't beat your son into submission. I think counseling would have been appropriate, and is covered under most insurance policies.)

I do agree though, it takes a village to raise a child.

LP Student | 3:18 p.m. March 28, 2008

Im glad to see that i have the support of another fellow student. and again i don't know where a lot of you people get your confidence to attack and make opinions on something you did not witness yourselves. every student at LP knows about zach and how he acts. the boys in the locker room know what happened and let people know that the things zach and his friends are saying about being knocked out are completely FALSE! but of course for some reason many of you believe the kid that started the incident. you have no grounds on which you can base your opinion on, you don't know zach's family situation and you don't know zach. so stop trying to bring coach down.

re:Where's Stockton | 3:20 p.m. March 28, 2008

Reading?

There are many sides to every story my friend.

Where are you on reading the State Ed Codes (There are laws about stiking kids -- no matter how much a teacher thinks they deserve it-- That's why the suspension without pay).

Are you asserting that the cell phone video was directed and edited? Did you see the film?

Too many people want to brush this under the mat because its a popular football coach.

If it was a principal pounding a kid the same way, it wouldn't be two day unpaid... Probably administrative leave and a demotion.

So Parents don't rule | 3:30 p.m. March 28, 2008

We teach a kid not to hit by smacking him around???

Jerry still ended up two years in Juvinile detention.

Could there be other issues the child was dealing with that led to this behavior, without needing an adult other than his parents to smack him around?

re:LP Student | 4:42 p.m. March 28, 2008

Quick questions for you?

Why exactly does Zach deserve to be knocked out by an adult? What does Zach do that makes him so unpopular with other students? Do all unpopular students deserve to be hit by adults? Should all the students at LP be denied "Due Process" for what they do or just Zach? Would you be willing to give up your right to an administrative hearing to allow all teachers the same priviledge of smacking you if the "truley belive" that you deserve it? Is the You Tube video a fabrication? Why was your coach suspended punatively without pay by the district?

I am someone who truely would like to understand why people think this is appropriate behavior from an adult. Especially you students who really know all of the "FACTS".

Please respond...

OK, one more...

Do they teach capitalization at Lone Peak?

i got an idea | 5:54 p.m. March 28, 2008

how about we all stop ripping on this kids parents.....considering his dad passed away and only has a mother..... you all are ridiculous..you claim that this kids the bad kid yet you all take personal attacks at his family. wake up

re:I got an idea | 6:17 p.m. March 28, 2008

I agree...

Maybe a little compassion for the student, and not a weight lifting bully slamming him around to keep the young men out of Juvi...

Tough Men don't need to attack kids dealing with this kind of heave stuff.

Is this the "Utah Mentality" that "Where's Stockton" at 8:01 AM prescribed.

Sure Coach Monte... Nice intergrity and character Bountiful Coach mentioned you have.

Good Luck there Salem. Any fatherless kids there that need an adult to Slam them around? He's on his way.

Thank Heaven's for Video Cameras or else this would have just slipped past the other adults out there that are supposed to protect the children.

Anonymous | 8:47 p.m. March 28, 2008

So I take it tough men should just let kids hit them and swear at them? I don't think the coach needs to allow a kid to attack him or other students so I agree with what he did in defense for himself and the otehr kid not shown.

Anonymous | 9:47 p.m. March 28, 2008

I don't think anyones wants coach Morgan's blood.

I just don't think a man who has a proclivity to manhandle students he thinks deserves it (a trail) and dropping F-Bombs should not work with children.

It's just my opinion, I may be wrong.

I suppose then... | 10:37 a.m. March 29, 2008

Mr. Anonymous of 9:47

In case you don't remember the cell phone video - the KID was dropping the foul language. The coach showed great restraint and no profanity left his mouth. The only reason there was any manhandling is because the teacher stopped the fight and the kid wanted to continue. Had the kid stopped, the whole incident would have ended.

Adn top living in a dream world about the F Bomb! I've been on sidelines of college football fields (yes, EVEN BYU) where you hear plenty of profanity. It is heard on EVERY sideline of high school games. Stop nit-picking and be fair to this man. The teacher HAD A MORAL RESPONSIBILIYTY TO STOP THE FIGHT and restrain a violent teenager.

You should be more scared that teachers will now just walk away when someone attacks a kid - IT MIGHT BE YOUR KID that is left to defend himself alone. You'll be the first one complaining when a teacher does that!

RE:10:37 | 11:20 a.m. March 29, 2008

I work in a High School.

We were trained in how to break up fights.

The last two fights I broke up strictly using strong verbal commands (State who you are, that you work for the district, that you are instructing them to stop... Instruct them to seperate, let them know if they strike you they will be put up for expulsion, and then step between them and instruct them where you want them to stand.

My concern is that first, the teacher does not get hurt. Second, the teacher doesn't hurt the student and ultimately get sued.

I deal with F-bombs all the time (Students, Poker buddies, out waterskiing and dirtbike riding with friends -- doesn't bother me) but it's not just Utah. When teachers are sitting in a room with the parent, and an administrator from the district, it's difficult for the administrator, principal, and parents to support the use of the word, and takes away the teacher/coach's "moral highroad", and weakens their position (The F-Bomb I mentioned was not in this incident, but when he grabbed the player last year, as reported in a different newspaper.)

I have seen teachers sued, teachers hurt, and that's my concern.

Get Real | 12:35 p.m. March 29, 2008

Watch the video.

No guns, no knives, why do you people who post call this guy a "Hero".

He's smashing the kids head into the wall.
What happens next?

This guy down the road will really hurt a kid, and will everyone have his back then?

Sadly enough, I do believe they will.

Do I need to write a letter to the district my kids attend and ask them the district policy about teachers putting their hands on my children?

I think many of you would be surprised.

That is why the coach was disciplined -- two days without pay!!!

Enough already! | 12:58 p.m. March 29, 2008

This railroading of both the teacher and the student has gone on long enough. It was an unfortunate incident that happened. You must know the entire situation before you cast judgement on either person. Unless you have lost a parent to death, you have no idea what this kid was going through. Also, as an educator my self, we dread the moment where we may have to do what coach Morgan did. He had no choice but to intervene. There was much more to the situation than what shows on the video. Both people are human, both people were under a great emotional stress. Let it go!!!!

Wow... | 1:14 p.m. March 29, 2008

This whole situation isn't one person's fault. I am a student at lone peak and I personally know zack, the other student he was fighting with, the student filming the incident, and coach morgan. I saw the celluar recorded film the same day of the incident and it is not fabricated. For you to all say that one person was at fault is the problem with this community. Coach Morgan did the right thing in stepping in and breaking this fight, but he eventually lost his cool. What the video doesn't show is Morgan using the same explicit language moments before. But it's not all Morgan's fault, both boys involved in the fighting should, and were, disciplined. The student who filmed the incident has no secret agenda against Morgan, he was simply caught up in witnessing the incident and pulled out what ever highschool kid has, his cell phone. Putting the video on Youtube was stupid but so is obsessing about how that student is the only one to blame. And how about all you hyprocrites saying the "snobs of Lone Peak" and their "parent(s)" are the problem get a reality check. Find a mirror.

Coach Morgan | 1:32 p.m. March 29, 2008

There are a few reason coach morgan was not asked to return as head football coach. This is not the first problem he has had with being a bit to physical with students. I agree the student is in the wrong. But Morgan has some very serious anger management problems that continue to surface. I wish him luck in the future

Colorado | 5:25 p.m. March 29, 2008

I have known Monte and his family for over 25 years and you couldn't find a better family man or husband around. This kid has no respect for anyone. I dont think we should blame his family, i think we should blame the kid. I just hope this whole thing and can blow over and everyone can become stronger for it. Good luck Monte Morgan and Just keep being YOU!

RE:Wow (I'm outta here) | 7:45 p.m. March 29, 2008

I appreciat your viewpoint (--and from a student, a very mature student...
A child shall lead them)

Both students fault, Morgan stepped in and broke it up (good).

Morgan probably crossed the line a bit (it happens when you keep yourself in check, when you snap, you get a little pumped up, which it seems to have happened to the coach. (Bad)

Handled by administration and Morgan is leaving for a new fresh start (good).

I think this is probably over as far as everyone is concerned unless the mother decides to sue, which the district would probably settle, and the cash would come in handy with his father passing away.

___________________________________________________

Can something good come out of this?

I think that the districts should come up with policies with explicit directions on how to break up fights.

Less chance of the students getting hurt, or the teacher/ districts getting sued.

I think that would make those posting feel safer about having their students in school, and help the teachers understand what is expected.

From what I hear Coach Morgan is a great man, and I feel bad he's in this situation.

More Love and Logic and less Physicallity .

another view | 10:52 p.m. March 29, 2008

I was one of the Lone Peak students who witnessed what happened. The fight between the two students was already broken up before Morgan entered the room. Everyone is using this to justify Morgan's actions - it is just plain wrong.

NY | 7:17 a.m. March 30, 2008

This coach should be commended with a bonus. That he was suspended without pay is an emabarrassement. This is why people are hesitant to go into teaching. I hope this does not stop him from stopping fights in the future. We need more people like this in education, people who are not afraid to do what is right. Good for you coach!

Wheres Stockton???? | 1:01 p.m. March 30, 2008

Ref: Wheres Stocton???

There also are counter points to the law..... one of which negates a students protection under the law when he initiates striking a teacher without just cause...... and one which protects the intervening teacher allowing him to protect himself.....If the kid can't take the return volley he ought not to initiate the attack.....read on my friend......the laws have two way doors and you're fooling yourself to think otherwise.

Where's Stockton | 3:49 p.m. March 30, 2008

Read:another view:10:52 pm and then, really, watch the video.

Read article from past papers about the coach's past abuses.

I think you will understand the coach was NOT protecting anyone, himself included.

There is no las that negates a students protection when he does NOT strike the teacher, hence the two days without salary.

You fool yourself to think this man is a hero. A hero does not hurt defenseless students whom he is contracted to protect them, and their safety.

Teachers should stop students from getting hurt, rather tan being the ones inflicting the pain.

Watch the video, read what the witnesses say, there is no swinging door in this case.

Enough already | 5:51 a.m. March 31, 2008

Let's not end this comment board with 3:49 on March 30's inflammatory comments.

The coach stopped a fight. If a kid got subdued and you don't like it, too bad! The kid started the fight and the coach didn't just walk away. Good for him and good for everyone else who might have been hurt by a violent boy. This time he didn't have a knife, but what might happen in the future when a teacher who ordinarily would intervene walks away and there is a truly tragic result? You'll be screaming mad about that, too.

Thanks, again, Coach! You did the right thing.

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